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AARP Bulletin Survey on the Transition to Digital TV: Executive Summary

by S. Kathi Brown, AARP Knowledge Management, AARP Research, November 2008

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The AARP Bulletin commissioned a nationwide survey in September 2008 to find out whether adults age 18+ are aware of the February 2009 transition from analog to digital broadcast television signals. The survey findings indicate that virtually all adults with TVs are aware of the upcoming transition, suggesting that public outreach efforts to inform TV owners of the impending change have been largely successful.

Specific findings include:

  • 97% of adults age 18+ have at least one TV in their home.
  • 24% of TV owners have at least one analog TV that is not connected to cable or satellite or another digital service.
  • 96% of TV owners are aware of the upcoming transition.
  • The majority (58%) of analog TV owners who do not have cable or satellite service expect to keep their analog TV and buy a converter box. However, only half say that they have already requested a government coupon to help cover the costs of the converter box. One-third say they would consider giving up their TV rather than taking any of the steps necessary to get reception.

The survey was conducted for AARP by International Communications Research (ICR). Interviews were conducted from September 24 through September 28, 2008, among a nationally representative sample of 1,007 adults ages 18 or older. For more information, please contact S. Kathi Brown at 202-434-6296. (8 pages)